The severity of the silent epidemic of lead poisoning and its long range effects on young children in impairment of intellectual ability, short-term memory, concentration, and reaction time have been recognized. A 3-year strategic plan for preventing childhood lead poisoning in Illinois was developed by a planning committee working through four subcommittees in the areas of legislation; outreach, education, and screening; medical management and treatment; and environmental issues. The plan's outcome objectives include: (1) 75 percent of children at high risk statewide will receive an annual lead screening test; (2) all children identified with an elevated blood lead level of 25 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dl) of blood and higher will be referred for diagnosis and treatment of lead poisoning; (3) all children identified with an elevated blood lead level of less than 25 mcg/dl and more than 10 mcg/dl will be referred for preventive lead poisoning programming; and (4) lead hazards will be abated in all environments in which children are found to have an elevated blood lead level of 25 mcg/dl or higher. Activities required to implement these objectives are outlined. Appendices contain a list of Strategic Planning Committee members, a reprint of the Illinois Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, and provide data on estimated number and percent of children with elevated blood lead levels by county/city. (JDD)